Goals from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue delivered the trophy for the second year in front of 27,681 spectators, while 17-year-old Brian Madjo scored for Aston Villa.
How Paris Saint-Germain Secured the Trophy in Salzburg
The French club edged the contest 2-1 at the Stadion Salzburg, adding another European honor to their cabinet after their recent Champions League success. According to match accounts, the victory marked the 13th time in the past 14 editions that the Champions League titleholder defeated the Europa League winner. The match atmosphere extended into the city center of Salzburg, where supporters gathered at the Residenzplatz fan festival.
PSG manager Luis Enrique deployed a mix of fresh legs and returning talent. Players who had recently returned from international duty following the World Cup, including Ousmane Dembele, Bradley Barcola, Lucas Hernandez, and Fabian Ruiz, began the match on the bench. Meanwhile, Achraf Hakimi, Desire Doue, and Warren Zaire-Emery earned places in the starting lineup alongside summer signing Maghnes Akliouche.
Turning Points and Goalscorers on the Pitch
Aston Villa entered the fixture with a depleted squad but established early momentum, putting pressure on the French defense through Boubacar Kamara and young forward George Hemmings. Despite the English side creating a higher volume of chances, PSG capitalized on individual brilliance. In the 20th minute, 25-year-old Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia sliced through the penalty area before setting up Doue, whose initial shot was blocked by goalkeeper Marco Bizot. Moments later, the roles reversed as Doue fed Kvaratskhelia for a powerful opening strike.
Aston Villa continued to press before halftime. After several missed opportunities by 17-year-old Brian Madjo—including a header wide, a shot blocked by Hakimi, and an effort that struck the goalpost—the young striker finally broke through in the 45th minute by converting a volley from a John McGinn cross. Following the interval, PSG reclaimed the lead in the 61st minute when Dembele, introduced at halftime, provided the buildup for Doue to slot a low shot past the defense. The goal survived a VAR review for a potential offside infraction.
Historical Context for Unai Emery and the Super Cup
With the result, Aston Villa manager Unai Emery dropped his fourth appearance in the European Super Cup. The Birmingham club’s sole triumph in the competition remains their 1983 victory. For Paris Saint-Germain, the match offered a measure of consistency following previous high-stakes encounters against English opposition, bypassing the need for a penalty shootout.
Referee Omar Artan officiated the fixture. The match concluded a lively evening of European competition, leaving both clubs to turn their focus toward their respective domestic league campaigns.
